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The Whigs suffered greatly from factionalism throughout their existence, in contrast to the party loyalty that was the hallmark of a tight Democratic Party organization. One strength of the Whigs, however, was a superb network of newspapers that provided an internal information system; their leading editor was Horace Greeley of the powerful New York Tribune. In their heyday, in the 1840s, the Whigs had strong support in the manufacturing Northeast and the border states. However, the Democratic Party grew more quickly over this time, and the Whigs lost more and more marginal states and districts. After the closely contested 1844 elections, the Democratic advantage widened, and the Whigs were only able to win nationally by splitting the opposition. This was partly because of the increased political importance of the western states, which generally voted for Democrats, and Irish Catholic and German immigrants, who also tended to vote for Democrats.

The Whig party was one of the earliest parties in American history. I believe during those first few years after we won our independance from Great Britain, it was the Whigs and the Democrats. The GOP did not come into existance until sometime later and may not have been until sometime around the American Civil War, IIRC.

Of course I'd have to go back and touch up on my history a bit, as I've undoubtedly forgotten way too much. But, you are not alone in never hearing about such things.

I'm just now listening to a program on NPR about the text book selection process in Texas where extreme conservitism is even removing Thomas Jefferson's name from history textbooks. There is way too much political influence in the teaching of history in America's schools.

I'm just now listening to a program on NPR about the text book selection process in Texas where extreme conservitism is even removing Thomas Jefferson's name from history textbooks. There is way too much political influence in the teaching of history in America's schools.

What is the perceived logic behind removing Thomas Jefferson? Most conservatives I know would embrace our founding fathers; even though notions such as freedom and individual rights were radical at the time.

Comment

The logic is that they want to teach Christian fundamentalism, among other things. Jean Calvin made the list of approved historical figures while Thomas Jefferson didn't make the cut. They want to emphaisze

The Texas board is comprised of 15 members, none of who are experts in any of the subjects the text books address.

Because the Texas education system is the largest in the nation, text book publishers tend to produce the text books Texas wants and the rest of the states get stuck with these same books.

[REMOVED BY REQUEST OF ORIGINAL SOURCE]

Who needs the Taliban when we have Texas?

I'm currently reading A Peoples History of the United States. I wouldn't be surprised if that title is banned from Texas school and public libraries.